Krafti-Kit

Winners in the Winter

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Barton) — Mon, 14 Feb 2011 16:34:00 +0000

I've not even had my tea yet and I'm blogging.
Last night was the cut-off on the Knit Circus contest and so I had to get my winners notified!
Congrats to LoonyHiker, RetroBaby and Sheila!
Thanks to the rest of you for your comments. I hope that you learned more about Knit Circus and Krafti-Kit.

So, today is the last day for my designers to finish and get their Late Spring designs to me. I'm already in the middle of knitting one of them. It's not a sample but just test knit for myself. Of course, I selected a discontinued yarn (RYC Cashcotton DK) and realized I was going to run out. BUT the Yarn Goddess smiled upon me and I was able to find two more balls in the right DYELOT in California at Monarch Knitting and Quilts, thanks to the internets.

This week I am actually leaving the homestead and heading down to Sacramento. I hate leaving my cats because of their age but I'm feeding Brahms lots and lots of food before I go to get her weight up. She's enjoying the extra feeding and I'm simply glad food still excites her at her age. Of course I'll be bringing plenty of knitting with me for the trip.

That reminds me how much I love kits for travel. It's all just right there. In fact, I became a buyer of kits on holiday many years ago. That was before I knew how to plan these sorts of things, but buying kits on the road can be awfully fun. That was what got me into these little counted needlepoint pieces. Small, light and addictive! If you've never tried them, please give one of this "bargain in crafting" kits a try! You'll especially like them if you like knitted colorwork!

Before I go I've got to finish this re-organization of my office. Later!

Give AWAY!

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Barton) — Wed, 09 Feb 2011 18:03:00 +0000

Photo by Mitch Da Re

On those days when I get to give stuff away, I'm a pretty happy camper. On days when I get to give really awesome stuff from other folks, I'm REALLY happy.

I finally got the In The Press page up today and one of our glowing reviews was from my favorite online knitting magazine, Knit Circus. Have you checked it out? The way it works is that you basically get to look at the magazine, read the articles, cop some free patterns and a recipe or two. Then, when you find something you've just gotta knit, you can buy the rest of the content? Seriously great concept. The quality is there and the patterns are pretty impressive.

So, I'm happy to say that between today, Weds., Feb 9th and 12 midnight on Sunday, Feb 13th, if you post a comment to this blog post, I'll put your name in a pot for a drawing. I have three prizes to give away:

Two Spring Pattern Collections from Knit Circus (online now)
One full year subscription to the Knit Circus Pattern collections.

So, two things:
Check out our new In The Press Page
Comment on this blog (and make sure I can contact you, if you win)

Sooner Than Later

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Barton) — Tue, 01 Feb 2011 20:51:00 +0000

Winter Sun Mittens, worked up in Cascade 220 Heathers

It's that time of year, solidly in Winter, but planning for late Spring, that can twist one's brain up in a knot. I suppose for those who don't like the cold stuff, it can be an optimistic time. For me, it's generally a time to knit with as much wool as I can!

This year, my first in Washington state, it started out very cold and snowy and then turned to oddly mild. As someone who is VERY weather oriented, this can be a little disconcerting. Of course, because I don't drive, all I hear from others when I complain at the lack of snow is: But you don't have to drive!.
Whatever.
If I drove, snow would not deter me. Of course, that's a huge "if" ;-)

Here's the good news: New Spring designs in the works! I may have just slid in a mitten pattern last week, but I'm working on some samples for Early Spring that will WOW you. As just a tease, I'm posting a bit of some lavender "texture" from my sample pile.

I've found some really talented new designers this year to work with. Some patterns and kits are on the way that I know you'll love. Sometimes I wonder how close to my own personal aesthetic I should stay when it comes to Krafti-Kit. I've come to the conclusion that there's a market for every type of design, and if I'm not enthusiastic about it, how can you be? So, I'm continuing to publish designs that are something I want to make. It not only has to be great to wear, or look at, but the actual process of working up the kit or pattern has to be fun as well. That's my criteria.

As always, drop on by the store and see what's new!

Payment Options

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Barton) — Thu, 06 Jan 2011 00:51:00 +0000

Here's a detail from one of our great sewing kits. It includes that cute button and everything else you need to make an adorable clutch.

Customers have had two ways to pay for their purchases for the past few months: PayPal and Credit Cards. We originally had only the credit card option but I knew that Paypal is very popular for fiber folk who are used to using it for purchasing pattern downloads and much more. So, I tried a bit of an experiment and ran both payment options for a while. Paypay has shown its way to be the clear "winner" of the two, among our customers.

I know that every payment method has its own set of issues, but for Krafti-kit and its growing collection of downloadable patterns, it seems very much the way to go right now.

Sometimes people ask me what the purpose of becoming a "user" on our site means. Well, it gives you the option to receive special sale notices and newsletters. I very often will offer repeat customers special discounts, so don't miss out! I like to reward those who support Krafti-Kit is every way I can. (Have you gotten a special "something" in your packages lately?)

New customers, welcome! Old timers, keep coming back and spreading the Krafti word ;-)

Anatomy of a Kit

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Barton) — Thu, 04 Nov 2010 00:24:00 +0000

Some kits, like the Oregon Tweed socks above, are pretty straightforward. The yarn from PicoAccuardi Dyeworks is a no-brainer for me as are the LaurelHill needles. I love introducing folks to both of these companies and we use their stuff in our kits because they're just my favorite materials to work with. The pattern in this case is mine so it creates a simple kit to put together, test and get to market!

As you can see by all the bits and bobs here, the Snowflake Bookmark is another one of our kits, but it takes a bit more to come together. This is a kit that's truly inspired by the first "counted" needlepoint kit I ever purchased in Scotland, so many years ago. We wind off just the right amount of each color, plus a little, cut the canvas, backing and give you a couple of needles. Then there's the pattern. I love to graph my patterns for needlework and knitting in Knit Visualizer.

The draw to kits for me is straight from my childhood. I remember ripping open a box, counting all the pieces, the strands, the parts of a needlework kit and diving in. It's still that way for me. About 6 months ago I found the original 1950's loom that I learned in, boxed and waiting for me on Ebay. It was not to be! Heartbroken but still searching for that memorabilia to add to my collection, I am trying to create kits for others that inspire.

Tell me about your first kit love!

En Vogue

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Barton) — Thu, 28 Oct 2010 21:00:00 +0000

There's a long but boring story as to why it took me so long to show off this great mention in Vogue Fall 2010. But, here it is featuring the Magic Carpet Socks. We liked the part where they asked for a second kit so they could actually KNIT them. How's them apples?

So, let me say again that these socks are an absolute blast to knit. There's just a few bobbles and they're right on the top for full effect. Never let me say a negative thing about a bobble again. I now love them.

The big ad campaign for the Clearance Sale is starting Monday, Nov 1st, so if you've got your eye on something, act now. These are limited addition kits, kiddos.

It's Anniversary Time

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Barton) — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 22:20:00 +0000

Here's the handspun crochet shawl that kept me busy for a few weeks this early fall.

Yep, and that means a sale of epic proportion as I make way for new designs and products at Krafti-Kit. We're talking like...half-off most of the store! I love those packages going out. And things are moving quickly out that door so if you like it, snag it.

I also just got my first little newsletter out the "door". It was little, minimalist and I hope that it will be more in the future, but I didn't have time for the learning curve on this one and needed to get it out.

There are so many ways I like to communicate with other crafters. Just a couple of days ago I was on Twitter, chatting with other crafty folks the #craftsocial conversation that happens once a month. We were talking about pricing our work and once we got started, there were so many aspects, the 2 hours just flew. The main take-away points were educating our consumer about how exactly we make what we make so that they will understand what they are paying for. The second big point was to become "activists" for creating a culture in which craft artisans are paid a livable wage or more. Really relevant conversation for everyone there.

I'm going to take a little look through the blog archive here and see what else I can tell you about when it comes to this process of creating kits. But, before I end here I'd like to remind folks that I'm still on my path to turn you all into needlepoint nerds. Free mini kits are going out until I'm out of these babies. The little needlepoint pattern goes in a card for a completely impressive gift when finished.

When Things Don't Come Easy

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Barton) — Tue, 12 Oct 2010 18:58:00 +0000

These are the first socks I ever designed. a beginner pattern now available on KK

On October first, we moved all the Krafti biz stuff into our SUV, a day before Laura's memorial gathering. It's difficult for me to write about the emotion behind all this right now as I am still just all in it. I am still in disbelief.

I do want all our friends, vendors and customers to know that the Krafti has been on a fast-track lately with all the press we've gotten this early Fall. Difficult timing of course, given this loss of Laura.

You know, I was always the voice in her ear, telling her what business move to make next. Now it's Laura's voice in my ear, saying "Just go ahead and do it. Do the business. Do Krafti-Kit"

I think if I weren't hearing that voice so clearly in my head, I would not be doing it, for sure.

So, first blog post behind me, I am moving forward and I hope you will all join me.

--Melissa

Life

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Barton) — Thu, 23 Sep 2010 16:24:00 +0000

Laura Cohen passed away September 21st at approximately 9 pm PST after a long battle with lung disease.

From her husband, Jonathan:

"Laura and I had no illusions that her ongoing bronchiectasis would kill her sooner or later but we never imagined how hard or how fast the end would come. In the end every moment I could spend with her was precious. We were together for 25 years, married for 15, and I was proud and grateful to have such a loving and caring companion who never once faltered in her love for me.

I want to express my deepest thanks to those of you who were sending your prayers and positive thoughts. They were a great help to me to keep me strong for her. There will be a memorial at my home in the coming days and I will send out an official announcement. In lieu of flowers please make a donation to the American Lung Association."

As Laura's business partner, I'm in a state of shock. Of course this is an awful turn of events. I expect to write more in the coming days and also thank you for your support at this difficult time.

----Melissa

Update

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Barton) — Tue, 21 Sep 2010 20:38:00 +0000

I just wanted to post an update on what's going on here at Krafti-Kit:

This past month, we've been very lucky to have gotten reviewed in Vogue Knitting, Interweave Crochet and the KnitCircus gift issue. It was the fruit of much hard work to get our brand out there and I know that Laura is very happy about this.

In news about our family here, Laura is quite ill and hospitalized. I wanted to give you all the chance to put her in your thoughts and prayers at this challenging time for Laura and her husband, Jonathan. There's not much more I can say right now.

As many of you know, I've moved to WA, 3.5 hours from Portland, OR where the Krafti home is. That of course makes this time particularly difficult. I do want you all to know that you can still connect with Krafti through me. I can be reached through Melissa@krafti-kit.com and invite emails from anyone who may need questions addressed during this period when Laura will be unable to answer her emails.

Farmers Market Score

noreply@blogger.com (laurainpdx) — Sat, 24 Jul 2010 19:03:00 +0000

I visited the Portland Farmers Market last week for the first time this year. The market is now open at least four days a week in various locations all over the city and there is a bounty of edibles that cannot be overlooked.

My first stop yielded a great big bunch of arugula which I put in burritos, in a salad and added a big, fresh bunch on top of a pizza. YUM!

I grabbed a pint of these delicious cherries and have been eating them all week with the fresh blueberries from Sauvie Island.

Aren't these tomatoes gorgeous? And so delicious. I sauteed them with these potatoes and

the purple and green bell peppers. YUM!!!

I am going back this week and hope to bring home some of the same and something different.

The market is open every Monday from 10-2 through October in Pioneer Square. Come join me and support our local farmers, bakers and meat and cheese artisans.

The Fruits of my Labor

noreply@blogger.com (laurainpdx) — Tue, 20 Jul 2010 01:52:00 +0000

Last Thursday, my husband and I went blueberry picking on Sauvie Island and this is only one tub of the eleven pounds we brought home.

What to do with all of those blueberries, you ask? Well, they will get frozen and eaten during the rest of the year and immediately made into some wonderful, delicious treats.

From the Tassajara Bread Book, given to me by my mom, I created this wonderful blueberry tart. Which is almost gone. What's next? Maybe a loaf of Lemon-Blueberry Bread from The Silver Palate cookbook.

So, who will join me?

Laura

Coffee and cookies and friends, oh my!

noreply@blogger.com (laurainpdx) — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 21:00:00 +0000

A couple of weeks ago, Melissa and I met at Moonstruck Cafe to discuss THE BLOG. If you are lucky enough to live in Portland, visit the cafe on NW 23rd and partake of some coffee and a delicious shortbread cookie (and a piece of chocolate, or two).

It has been almost four months since either of us has posted to the blog and for that, I am deeply sorry. I promise that this will be the first of many exciting posts, full of information, projects and news about Krafti-Kit.

Until next time, have a great holiday weekend and knit, crochet, sew, spin and stamp your hearts out! I know I will.

Laura

Pick Pocket

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Barton) — Thu, 18 Mar 2010 07:30:00 +0000

Unless you studied costume design, chances are you just sort of assumed that pockets have been around a really really long time. But, oh no. They are a relatively new invention. This 'small bag-like attachment' was worn externally for years and years before we ever thought of actually putting it directly on a garment, let alone IN a garment.

Read more here about the history of pockets while I tell you a bit more about why external pockets still have a place in our lives.

Have you ever had a dress or top that came with a pocket, but as soon as you put anything of substance in it, your garment pulled and gaped or worse...sagged? Yes. Many pockets are simply decorative. When you buy a pair of dress pants or jacket the pockets are actually sewn closed so that they don't lose shape before you buy them.

The idea of a small bag, worn outside of your clothing was called a "disco bag" in the 1980's and forgive me, but it's hard to name it any better. You're out at say...someplace to dance, you don't want to leave your handbag with those small essentials on the bar stool or chair. You have this little shoulder bag that doesn't mess with your outfit but keeps your important stuff safe.

All of this, to tell you that I have designed a new beaded bag for Krafti-Kit that does it's job and looks great with all kinds of clothes to boot. It's cotton, knit with matte gold glass beads, almost, but not quite antique looking and at 7"x6" will hold all your essentials. The back of the bag is knit in seed stitch to keep it from being too heavy. You can even line it if you like but it's knit tightly enough to not even need it.

If you've been "on the fence" about knitting with beads, maybe this will get you right off of that fence and knitting!

Spring: News From a Broad

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Barton) — Mon, 01 Mar 2010 22:13:00 +0000

I have an annual SPRING CLEANING RITUAL.

Hard to believe?

Not if you know me.

Melissa: Laura's very...tidy. Laura does not come to Melissa's house. Melissa is NOT tidy.

It all begins with a list. I take a favorite notebook and make a detailed list, dividing the house into rooms and the rooms into their individual components.

I have no start or end date, but as each room is cleaned, stuff recycled, donated and alas, dumped, I feel lighter and I end up finding lost items

What about you? Do you have a spring cleaning ritual?

To accompany the ritual at home, Krafti-Kit is having a spring cleaning sale.

We've got some exciting new kits and we're movin' some stuff out!

C'mon over!

New Again

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Barton) — Fri, 19 Feb 2010 02:46:00 +0000

Yep, we have a new site!
We had some issues with the functionality of our previous ecommerce store so we've moved it and redesigned. It's already so much easier, we're really happy about it.

I keep reminding myself of letting go of the things that are not working to embrace the new. New businesses are a challenge!

So, here we go and I hope you all will check it out. We hope you'll check it out and take advantage of our free shipping through the month of February.

My Kit Love by Laura

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Barton) — Tue, 16 Feb 2010 22:38:00 +0000

Dotee Doll Kit Components

I first learned to knit from a kit.

I was recovering from an illness and was bored, so I declared to my husband that I was going to learn to knit. And I did. I bought a book and the cutest kit to make a snake puppet. The kit included black and red yarn, pattern and instructions, eyes and yes, needles. I can’t seem to locate that puppet, or there would be a photo. (Melissa rolls eyes...)

I love the idea of having everything I need to complete a project presented to me in a nice little package

One of the great things about the purchase of a fiber arts kit is, it won’t go spoil or go rotten sitting in your refrigerator like that biology experiment in the vegetable crisper (oh yes, it’s in there).

My love of kits has come full circle; from learning how to knit and (a little) crochet to running this exciting business with Melissa.

I believe our kits inspire learning a new craft and falling in love with an old one.

What are you inspired to learn, to improve upon, to hand down to a friend or loved one?

Leave a comment 'cause we'd love to know.

Notes From Laura: Faerieworlds

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Barton) — Mon, 08 Feb 2010 20:11:00 +0000

All photos courtesy of Micki Da Re

When my sister Erin and I were kids, my parent took us to the original Renaissance Pleasure Faire in California every summer. I remember dancing, theater, music, wandering poets, food and booths. I don’t remember when my family stopped going and until recently, I never gave it a second thought. That is, until I was presented with the idea of showing the Krafti-Kit wares at a similar celebration, Faerieworlds Winter Celebration in Eugene, OR.

Melissa had managed to talk her friend and the producer of this Fae party, Robert, into attending Black Sheep Gathering and the connection to Fiber-Arts was made. So, booth and demo space was procured and the planning got into full swing.

What’s my experience with Krafti-Kit’s first show as an exhibitor? It’s a lot of work. Not just the logistics, but I was “on” all day for two days. I did enjoy myself however. I enjoyed having my husband, Jonathan, hang with me in the booth, staying with friends, observing the attendees, meeting the different vendors and watching Melissa demonstrate her spinning and weaving skills.

The demo area of our booth was by far the most interesting. At one point, Melissa had a fan club of boys, ages 7-12 watching her spin and wanting to learn. Melissa definitely has the teacher buried deep inside and is always looking for a chance to show someone a new skill, like me.

Melissa teaching with our Drop Spindle Kit

Over the past few months of our working together, Melissa has taught me the basics of hand sewing and needlepoint. I can’t say that I am an expert at these skills, but the seeds have been planted. What did she teach me that stuck? Weaving. Krafti-Kit borrowed a small rigid heddle loom from fellow exhibitor, Eugene Textile Center and Melissa declared “Laura, you will learn to weave”. Well, actually I think she said “I am going to teach you to weave.” And I did. Now I want a rigid heddle loom. The seed has been planted, a monster created. All thanks to Melissa and Faerieworlds.

A fun first experience and I am looking forward to the Summer Celebration.

So Fae

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Barton) — Wed, 13 Jan 2010 19:13:00 +0000

What a great kit! I designed it? Oh, thank you. (smile)
A little background here: I was away from crochet for a while and then I found a single skein of sock yarn. Just laying there all by itself. It wasn't enough for a full pair of socks so I thought I'd do something radical: crochet! At exactly the same time, I fell upon Laurel Hill's crochet hooks. These crochet hooks single-handedly brought me back to crochet. At a show I bought one of the Palmwood hooks and it was so light and lovely to touch, I just had to...well...crochet!

In this lovely marriage of material and tool, I came up with a simple headscarf pattern because I'd been trying to grow out my short locks. After making a couple of these, I really wanted to do more. At the same time, Laura and I were starting this business and I saw the perfect opportunity for just that.
I sent Jen Hintz a picture of some Lichen from here in Portland and asked her to create a hand dyed yarn with withher bamboo/wool sock base that picked up on these colors. She went us a few skeins, but we immediately fell in love with this one.

In our kit, we're including an ebony crochet hook (from reclaimed wood) from Laurel Hill with our pattern and a big skein of Jen's yarn. I seriously hope you'll give this a try and it's a relaxing projects and slips through your fingers in the most delicious way! So Faerie. So Fae.

On the Carpet

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Barton) — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 18:27:00 +0000

Magic Carpet Socks

What's the process for creating an exclusive sock kit? Where do you start? (Just to be clear, "Exclusive" means that the yarn has been dyed just for you and the pattern is licensed to you for an extended period of time.)

It was always our intention to try and work with as many local folks that we knew. I mean, if Portland is the "Epicenter" of the fiber-arts world (which I happen to believe it is) than why the heck not?

I met Susan of Abstract Fiber about a year ago. She comes to my spinning group and her yarn is in our LYS. There's something about the depth and saturation of her colors that has always impressed me. When we talked about a theme for a yarn, the first thing that jumped out of me was an Oriental Carpet. Those aren't colors that are easy to reproduce in a yarn, I think. I had never seen a yarn that really went there. But, I knew if someone could pull it off, it would be Susan.

Susan gave us two sample skeins to choose from and then it was all about finding the designer. Right off, Susan herself gave us a recommendation, but we really hadn't seen any of that designer's socks, so we waited and looked elsewhere.

It's a good thing that all the sock designers that I wanted were booked up and working hard. It's amazing when you think of it, really! It wasn't long before it all came together with Mary's book coming out, our seeing her amazing designs everywhere (now that we were looking) and connecting with her through Susan.

Mary Scott Huff wastes no time in getting a pattern done. The woman's a whirlwind! In her blog, she talks about her sudden urge to play with yarn and how the design happened rather quickly! Since then she's knit them in yet another yarn and wow, they look great in that too!

Lastly, we love Laurel Hill needles and we have always believed that the way add something special to a sock kit is to offer some really fabulous needles that you night not buy for yourself. We're honestly convinced that once you start working with their needles and hooks, you won't look back. Also local, the fellas at Laurel Hill are in Eugene and you can see their products in many of our other kits.

If you're on Ravelry, join our group, get a free gift and get some hands on help with your Krafti kits. We're looking forward to seeing all your "Magic Carpet" socks!

Tools

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Barton) — Sun, 20 Dec 2009 18:57:00 +0000

Mostly I just took this picture to show you some of my cool stuff. Everything except the Sajou needles and thread holders (gifts from Jody) has been with me for a while and each has a little story.

There's two darning eggs (one more "egg" than the other) The first one was my Mom, the second is from Sweden.

Two crochet hooks. The big wooden one is from Sweden and it certainly looks it! The little ivory one is actually a set of two that I bought in an antique shop years ago and use all the time.

The little booklet is a needle case sent to us when I was a kid, as a gift from our local oil company. Interesting concept and much better than a calendar!

The magnifying glass with the Bakelite was my Mom's. I remember her using it to take splinters out of my fingers. Not a pleasant memory, but I still use it all the time for sewing or reading teeny tiny labels.

Those spools of thread (and there are more) are from my Mom as well. They are at least from the 40's perhaps before. I remember hand sewing doll clothes with them.

And, nestled in there are some crocheted buttons which are a part of my extensive button collection. Some are from Mom and some, like these were bought at antique stores.

A sentimental day. I have such strong feelings about passing down needlework supplies. What are we using today that will be considered "retro" and "cool" or quaint? Is the high-tech of our world, breeding it all out of us?

If you treasure these things, hold onto them or pass them to someone else who will use and care for them. Yes, I do use a darning egg!

Craft Monogamy?

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Barton) — Thu, 10 Dec 2009 17:54:00 +0000

Snowflake bookmark designed with the knitter in mind.

Don't even go there with me!
Yeah, we joke about it all the time.We have to "control" ourselves so that we don't "spread ourselves too thin" among our "hobbies". I seriously dislike the work "hobby" to begin with. It deems such a diminutive word. Oh yes, you"dabble" in several hobbies.

Most of us in the fiber-arts would even use the word "hobby" or "dabble". In fact, we own our skills in a serious way. We say, "I'm a knitter. I"m a spinner." "I'm a sewer." Perhaps that's where this idea of of craft monogamy comes from. We are afraid of our identities becoming "diluted" in some way.

I say this: You are a Fiber Artist.

When I was a kid, it never occurred to me that I should focus on one particular craft, become really good it and and then...? This concept of focusing on one thing only came along when I hit college, and then, it wasn't very popular with me.

We started this company because we believe in the idea of "cross-training" fiber arts people. Knowing how to sew will positively affect your knitting skills. Knowing needlepoint will help you to create knitting graphs. It's endless.

We advertise monthly in Piecework magazine from Interweave. If you're not familiar with it, you should be! It's about the history of what we do as fiber artists and projects that are just unbelievable. Some are pretty ambitious, and many them marry several different fiber skills. There's always something for me to reach for in its pages. To grow in my Craft. My Art.

Spinning like a Top

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Barton) — Tue, 08 Dec 2009 20:55:00 +0000

I came to spinning by way of the drop spindle, but unlike many other spinners I now, I spent at least a year using just that. I did not go out and drop some bucks on a spinning wheel. Spinning came to me with "restrained passion". I wanted to do it all the time, but I had no real vision of what would come to it. I just knew it was WAY fun. It was different than all the other things I was doing fiber-wise in terms of motor skills and attention span.

This is some of the first "presentable" yarn I turned out on my first spindle.

Now I have a weird old one-of-a-kind wheel and another one on loan. But, by way of the drop spindle, I have become a bit of an "enabler extraordinaire". I take my spindle with me to the park in the Spring and Summer and kids always ask to touch and watch and learn. I see people trying to learn to drop spindle with the old CD and dowel method. There's really not enough weight to make it work well. When one tries a new craft, I think that using the best materials you can afford is the way to go.

This is some of the last yarn I spun.

We had plenty of offers for a drop spindle kit when we started. They all looked like something else out there.: Kinda boring. Basic can still be pretty! So, we found this one and I, the spinner, just fell in love. It's top whorl, which means that the round disk is on the top and the yarn gets wound below it as it gets spun. It's really balanced which means you get it to spin pretty fast and for a long time. AND it comes with some alpaca and a book. What more do you need?
If you've been thinking about trying your hand at spinning for a while, this is the perfect place to start. And if at anytime you folks out there need help with any of our kits, all you have to do is email us and we'll be glad to help you out. We've tested everything we sell, personally and feel confident that you'll have crafting success with all our projects.!

Why Bookmarks?

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Barton) — Sat, 05 Dec 2009 21:03:00 +0000

Some years ago when I was very much wanting to do knitted lace but was quite afraid of it, someone suggested I create a bookmark from a random lace pattern. Seriously? It didn't do too well. The needle size was all off, I don't think I used the right yarn. The point about bookmarks being a good place to start did make sense though.

When Laura and I started out, the first kit idea that I had was a lace bookmark. We ended up trying different patterns, different yarns and needle sizes and finally came up with a couple that we really really like. There's a density to the lace that allows it to hold up to actually be used as a bookmark. I created graphs for each one and finally, we got some beautiful little Palmwood needles from Laurel Hill.
I realized though that a lot of the more time intensive fiber arts that one might want to try have the same issue. How do I create something beautiful, satisfying and usable?

Our needlepoint kits are 20 stitches to the inch using pearle cotton threads. Tiny stitches like this are not printed on canvas, but a graph, just like a knitting graph is used to create the pattern. You start in one corner and move forward in any direction, counting as you go, much like a colorwork sweater.

Hmmmm. That's where I went next with it by creating the snowflake bookmark from an Alice Starmore knitting book. A simple snowflake that I could color any way I wanted.
There is something infinitely relaxing and focused about needlepoint. When I learned as a child with heavier canvas and wool, I liked the process but not the product. These shiny little cotton jewels are quite another thing. I dare you to not love it and become obsessed!
Lastly, we had an entry of a kit that was knitted cotton with beads. I had always wanted to use beads in knitting but just didn't want to bother with stringing the beads and finding all the right materials. This kit comes with the beads already strung on! Now the interesting trick is that the beads always want to fall the the bottom, or purl side of your work. This heart design is actually worked with beads on the front and back. Ingenious! It gives it more weight and drape and there's no "wrong side".
Have I convinced you? Well, we so much want you to try these kits that we're having a sale on them right now. Give them a go, give them as a really really cool gift and marvel at the new thing you can do.

A Whiter Shade of Pale

noreply@blogger.com (Melissa Barton) — Fri, 27 Nov 2009 04:05:00 +0000

The start of the white theme was really this little silvery tree.

Then, while the Macy's Parade was on, I made this (the white is actually pearlized paper)

Then this is all there was left!

We don't do paper kits (so far). I my my neighborhood there's a Paper Source. One of the reasons I go there is to get rolls of double-faced satin ribbon for my knitting projects. Oh, and scissors...and...um...stuff. Last week I bought a paper wreath kit and make it today. It was everything I adore about kits. It was just all there. In this case, a lot of die-cut pieces paper and a cardboard wreath form to attach it all to. I honestly think it came out better than on the package.

Yes, kits. I understand that not everyone lives in this big yarn, bead and craft store I call my apartment. But don't just sit there and be envious, buy a kit! This is what we're all about. I may not do any paper crafts that don't include pre-cut paper. But heck, when I'm doing it I feel like I've been handed that first little pile of construction paper scraps in kindergarten.

I've been so busy focused on the whole DIY thing these past months, I thought it would be really really boring, not to mention bad form, for me to use the same old tree ornaments. I also thought about my 19 year old cat with dementia, Brahms who has been getting into all sorts of odd trouble. She gets into dangerous things and causes me a fair amount of worry.

The tree I usually put up is a four foot artificial tree that goes up on a desk in the window. It's long since lost it's pre-strung lights. So, this year I bit the bullet and bought some LEDs. They seem to have come along a bit in the quality of the light they produce. So, white it was. I've always kinda made fun (in my head) of folks who do "theme" trees. I think they look great in stores, but they seem pretty impersonal.

This year I changed my mind. A year of big change and I wanted my tree to express that. Here we have the white satin bow, white glitter butterfly tree. It's best not to over-think these things. If is needs more pizazz by light of day, I may add something but now it's just right.